The weeks after giving birth are typically focused on your newborn, and the day-to-day demands of new parenthood. But your own health during this time deserves the same careful attention. Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure disorder that can develop after delivery, sometimes without warning. Knowing what to watch for, understanding your risk, and acting quickly when symptoms appear can be lifesaving.
What is postpartum preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ stress. It most commonly affects the liver and kidneys. Most people associate it with pregnancy, but postpartum preeclampsia refers specifically to the development of these symptoms after delivery. It most commonly occurs within 48 hours of childbirth, but it can develop up to six weeks later, which means new mothers need to remain vigilant well beyond leaving the hospital.1, 2
Untreated, postpartum preeclampsia can lead to serious complications, including seizures (a condition called eclampsia), stroke, and organ failure. Early recognition and prompt medical care are essential.
Recognizing the warning signs of postpartum preeclampsia2
Contact your doctor immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room, if you experience any of the following after delivery:
Severe headaches
Headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
Vision changes
Changes in vision including blurred vision, seeing spots, or unusual sensitivity to light
Significant swelling
Swelling in your face, hands, or feet, especially if it comes on suddenly
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath may signal fluid in the lungs
High blood pressure readings
Generally defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher on two readings taken four hours apart
Nausea or vomiting
Nausea or vomiting that develops in the days after delivery and is not explained by other causes
Upper abdominal pain
Particularly under the right side of the rib cage, which can signal liver involvement
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Postpartum complications are more common than many people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 65% of pregnancy-related deaths occur during the postpartum period, with hypertensive disorders like postpartum preeclampsia among the leading causes.3 Understanding the warning signs is one of the most important steps any new mother can take to protect her health.
Who is at risk for postpartum preeclampsia?2,4
Postpartum preeclampsia can occur even after a completely healthy pregnancy. However, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition:
History of preeclampsia during pregnancy
Women who experienced preeclampsia while pregnant face an elevated risk of it recurring postpartum.
Multiple pregnancies
Carrying twins, triplets, or more places additional demands on the cardiovascular system throughout pregnancy and recovery.
Chronic hypertension
Pre-existing high blood pressure can make it harder for the body to regulate blood pressure after delivery.
Obesity
Higher body weight is associated with increased cardiovascular strain and a higher baseline inflammatory response.
Diabetes
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affect blood vessel function in ways that can contribute to hypertensive complications.
Age
The risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and the postpartum period increases beyond age 40. People who are younger than 20 are also at a higher risk.
First pregnancy
Some research suggests first-time mothers may face a modestly higher risk, though this factor alone is not a reliable predictor.
Knowing your risk profile can help you and your care team stay alert. Share your full health history with your provider before and after delivery so they can monitor you appropriately.
How postpartum preeclampsia is diagnosed and treated
If your doctor suspects postpartum preeclampsia, they will assess your blood pressure and order a series of tests to evaluate how your organs are functioning. These typically include a urinalysis to check for protein in the urine (proteinuria), blood tests to assess kidney and liver function, and a complete blood count.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition but generally focuses on lowering blood pressure and preventing seizures. Medications called antihypertensives are used to bring blood pressure to a safer level. In more severe cases, magnesium sulfate may be administered to reduce the risk of seizures.4 Most women recover fully with prompt treatment, though blood pressure monitoring may continue for several weeks after hospital discharge.
If you are diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia, your care team will work with you to develop a monitoring and treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. Always consult your physician before making any decisions about your care.
Advocating for your health after childbirth
One of the most important things any new mother can do is trust her instincts. The postpartum period can be physically and emotionally consuming, and it is easy to dismiss symptoms as normal recovery. If something feels wrong, it deserves attention regardless of how recently you gave birth or how straightforward your delivery was.
In a 2025 podcast interview, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, opened up about her own postpartum preeclampsia experience, helping to bring attention to this dangerous condition, and emphasizing how difficult it can be for mothers to manage their own health after giving birth. "It’s so rare and so scary," Meghan said. "And you're still trying to juggle all of these things, and the world doesn't know what's happening quietly. And in the quiet, you're still trying to show up for people – mostly for your children — but those things are huge medical scares."5
Her message, (and ours): your health matters just as much as your newborn's. Postpartum care should not be ignored. It is a critical part of your recovery.
Frequently asked questions about postpartum preeclampsia
How soon after delivery can postpartum preeclampsia develop?
Postpartum preeclampsia most commonly develops within 48 hours of delivery. However, it can occur up to six weeks after childbirth, which means symptoms that appear days or weeks after you leave the hospital still warrant prompt medical evaluation.
Can I develop postpartum preeclampsia if my pregnancy was healthy?
Yes. Postpartum preeclampsia can occur even in women who had entirely uncomplicated pregnancies. While certain risk factors increase the likelihood, there is no way to rule out the condition based on pregnancy health alone.
What should I do if I think I have postpartum preeclampsia?
Call your doctor immediately. If your symptoms include severe headache, vision changes, difficulty breathing, or significantly elevated blood pressure, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Do not wait for symptoms to resolve on their own.
Is postpartum preeclampsia the same as preeclampsia during pregnancy?
They share features such as high blood pressure and signs of organ stress, but postpartum preeclampsia occurs after delivery rather than during pregnancy. Both conditions require prompt medical attention and are managed with similar treatment approaches.
Will I develop postpartum preeclampsia in future pregnancies if I had it before?
A history of preeclampsia or postpartum preeclampsia does increase your risk in future pregnancies. Talk with your OB/GYN before and during any subsequent pregnancy so your care team can monitor you closely from the start. Always discuss your personal health history with a physician to understand your individual risk.
If you have concerns about your postpartum health, or need advice you can trust at any point in your pregnancy or motherhood journey, Texas Health is here to help.
Learn more and connect with care:
- Texas Health Women and Infants services
- Call 1-877-THR-WELL (847-9355)
- Find a Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care location near you
References
- Preeclampsia Foundation. Postpartum Preeclampsia
- Mayo Clinic. Postpartum preeclampsia
- NIH National Library of Medicine. Postpartum Care up to 1 Year After Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum Preeclampsia
- Self Magazine. I Had Postpartum Preeclampsia Like Meghan Markle. Here’s What It Was Like